US area company NASA is providing money prizes to anybody who can discover algal blooms in footage taken from area.
The “Tick Tick Bloom” competitors asks individuals to detect and classify the severity of algal blooms in small, inland water our bodies. They’re providing $30,000 in complete, with the primary prize at $12,000, the second prize at $9000, and the third prize at $6000.
“The 5 top-scoring performers on this competitors shall be invited to submit a quick write-up of their modelling methodology. A bonus prize shall be awarded to the 2 greatest write-ups as chosen by a judging panel based mostly on elements together with mannequin interpretability and robustness,” the competitors web page learn.
Algal blooms are an overgrowth of algae in water our bodies. A few of them launch harmful toxins, making the water unfit for people and marine life. They generally happen the place vitamins are excessive, resembling in areas the place agricultural run-off happens, and might be recognized by their vivid inexperienced color and putrid scent.
Algae are basically a bunch of crops and might be present in all kinds of water, together with salt water, contemporary water, and brackish water. The issue is that these blooms are rising in dimension and frequency as international temperatures rise.
Inland water our bodies are often one of many a number of sources of water for a area. Folks depend on them for ingesting water and different functions. These blooms can hurt marine ecosystems and inland water our bodies.
We’re proud to have helped create the Dangerous Algal Bloom prize problem together with @NASA
! Utilizing satellite tv for pc imagery and in situ floor reality measurements, estimate the situation + amount of HABs throughout the US. Take part within the problem right here! https://t.co/IL9HAVWbhu pic.twitter.com/WcvlDhaxkS— Berkeley AI Analysis Local weather Initiative (@ai_climate) December 22, 2022
Research present that individuals who reside close to lakes topic to frequent algal blooms have an elevated threat of contracting motor neurone illness.
Based on the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), toxins from algal blooms might be absorbed by the pores and skin and might be consumed by contaminated meals.
NASA is anticipating to create consciousness about this by this competitors. It’ll additionally assist authorities in several areas find areas of water that aren’t secure for people. The competition closes on February 17, 2023.
